As Wapahani made its run to the first state baseball championship in Delaware County history this spring, Zack Thompson seemed to be generating a buzz. The then-sophomore left-handed pitcher pitched a complete-game shutout in the state championship game, part of a run of dominant pitching that also included a 17-strikeout complete-game shutout in the regional championship game. He was named to the Louisville Slugger High School All-American first team following the season.

As Thompson and his teammates made that run, college scouts were visible, with their radar guns active when he was on the mound. When it came time to make a decision, Thompson said he ended up going with the school that first expressed interest. Thompson, now a junior at Wapahani, has orally committed to Kentucky.

"It really wasn't any one single thing," Thompson said. "It was just the right combination of everything, baseball program, the academics. (I) got along with the coaches great. It just felt right."

The left-hander went 13-0 with a 0.64 ERA for Wapahani in his sophomore season. He struck out 152 batters and walked 32. He also produced at the plate, hitting .354 with seven home runs. After two more seasons at Wapahani, he will have the opportunity to play in the SEC.

"I wanted to play in the best conference," Thompson said. "And I want to compete."

Thompson, who said his velocity has recently been clocked in the 90s, said he is focused on overall improvement in his remaining time at Wapahani.

He said he hopes to get bigger, faster and stronger, while also getting smarter in his approach to the game.

Thompson said he was a 'little bit' of a Kentucky fan when he was growing up. Wapahani coach Brian Dudley said he had noticed Thompson's affinity for the Wildcats prior to his commitment.

"It's a neat thing for him, especially, it's kind of the place he's wanted to go for years," Dudley said. "But (it's) a very tough decision as well."

Thompson said he liked the other schools he considered, so it was difficult to ultimately pick one. He said it was a relief to have the decision-making process behind him.

"It helps, knowing that you've already got it out of the way," he said. "And I can just focus on the future."